12 replies to this topic

[Aro]

Heres some tools for TS/YR Modding, the basics and the must-haves:

XCC Utilities:
Essential for any modder. Download HERE. Made by Olaf Van Der Spek. Contains: XCC AV Player, XCC Editor, XCC Mixer (V 1.45), XCC MIX Editor and XCC TMP Editor.
XCC TFD Shortcut installer - Handy for TFD users.
XCC Radar Color editor
XCC AUD writer - This is a plug-in for WinAmp that allows you to create .aud files from .mp3 files. For WinAmp, and MP3 editing, see Sound related tools below.

XCC .dll pack - You might need these DLL files to run the XCC utilities. Put them in the same directory as the program you are having trouble running.

XCC Utils 1.45 U - tweaked versions of the XCC Utilities.

INI (.ini) related tools:

DCoders AI Editor - A program to help you edit the AI.ini file.
If the above link doesn't work, click HERE.

Most use notepad for editing the ini files, but some use other notepad-based programs. These are some good programs to edit the .ini files.

NoteTab
NotePad++


Voxel (.vxl) and HVA (.hva) related tools:
Voxel Section Editor III (VXLSE) - A program for editing .vxl files.
Cube Normalizer 1.5 - An additional program for normalizing voxels.
WILL'S Voxel Editor. An alternate voxel editor (as used by Mig Eater).
3DS2VXL - A program for converting .3ds files to.vxl files.
Some 3DS2vxl patches

OS HVA Builder 2.1 - A program for editing .hva files.
OS HVA Builder Quick Patch - Updates OS HVA Builder from V2.0 or above to 2.12.

OS Voxel Viewer - A program for viewing .vxl files.
OS Voxel Viewer Quick Patch - Updates OSVV from V1.5 or above to V1.75.

SHP (.shp) related tools
OS SHP Builder 3.36 - A program for editing .shp files.
Radar Color Editor Is a program put together by Nyerguds (GUI by IcySon55) which you use to modify the colors of your SHP's on the radar screen, a very handy tool.

Music (.aud/.mp3/.wav) related tools
For the XCC AUD writer, see the XCC Utilities Section at the top.

WinAmp - This program, combined with The XCC AUD writer, can create usable, ready to be inserted into TS .aud files.

Audacity - A program for editing .mp3 and .wav files, which can then be converted to .aud files. Not required, but handy for making many new sounds.


2D Image editing software
Not a requirement of TS/RA2 editing, but many modders use programs such as PhotoShop and Paint Shop Pro for cameo and SHP work.

3D Image software
Commonly used for creating renders and buildings. Again, not required, but very handy to have if you know what you're doing.
Blender - A free, open source, easy to use 3D modeling program.
3DS MAX - An incredible 3D program. It comes at a price though. For a free trial, follow the link on the main page.
See also: 3DS to VXL above.
GMAX - A cut down, but free version of 3DS MAX. That site also has tutorials here and there, so make sure you check them out too.
Anim8or is a free 3D modeling program which is a favorite out of the free programs.
Cinema4D isn't a very popular 3D Modeling program, but it is extremely powerful and very user-friendly (which I personally use).

Hex Editing related tools (for making minor edits to the game's EXE file) Note: These programs are NOT Decompilers/disassemblers.
HHD hex editor - A tool for edting the TS/YR game.exe. Note that this is an older version, but it is MUCH better than the new one.
Hex Workshop - A more complicated, but more useful Hex editor.

PE Explorer - A hex editor and resource viewer in one, with several other useful features. Only recommended for those with experience in exe editing though. Link leads to a download page for a 30 day trial.

Language.dll related tools (for editing dialog screens in Tiberian Sun)
Resource Hacker - A tool for editing the TS Language.dll. Can also be used to edit the GAME.exe to a certain extent.
XN Resource Editor - A more powerful, but slightly more complicated resource editor. Can also be used for modifying certain parts of GAME.exe

MIX Protection Tools
LeechKiller - Makes your MIX files unreadable by XCC Mixer to prevent asset theft.
MIX Protector - A similar program.

Launchers
LaunchBase - a more versatile and up to date replacement for the ageing XCC Mod Launcher/Creator.
For the old XCC Mod Launcher/Creator, see XCC Utilities above.

Misc tools

Explosion Generator - Found by Triforce a while ago, this is a nice program that generates random explosions, which can be used in TS and YR.

XCC Tools 1.2 If you have issues with the above XCC application use these. The basics are all there: Mixer (1.21 so no Gen/BFME), Mod Creator, Mod Launcher, Mix Editor and the DAT files.

Modding Encyclopedia (search the site and learn the CNC language and rules)

RA2/YR Update - update RA2 to 1.006 or YR to 1.001 (needed to play many mods)

OS Font Editor (useful tool for editing RA2/YR GAME.fnt)

Useful Factoids of YR (by DCoder)

[Romanul]

The last link doesn't work.


Also,add Cinema4D.

Edited by Romanul, 08 June 2010 - 06:40 PM.

[Aro]

It does now.

[Romanul]

Good,also try adding GIMP to the list of 2D image programs

Good job with this thread.

[Mig Eater]

as used by Mig Eater

Should I be flattered... or worried that I'm the only person who still uses Will's editor!?

[OmegaBolt]

Well just know your getting old enough to be the only one left here who knows what it is.

[Aro]

as used by Mig Eater

Should I be flattered... or worried that I'm the only person who still uses Will's editor!?

LoL. It's meant to point out that it may be a very unpopular tool, but it yields brilliant results. Also, I was shocked to find out that this place didn't even have a proper modding tools list for TS or RA2... What would you do without me?

Edited by Aro, 09 June 2010 - 12:58 AM.

[Nighthawk]

Hmm, I thought we had one somewhere... oh well, must have got lost in the void somehow.

[SSTG]

I found that explosion generator pretty useful I think I even got a decent gattling gun impact from it

[Aro]

Hmm, I thought we had one somewhere... oh well, must have got lost in the void somehow.

This was the only one I came across but it's not all that useful.

[Allied General]

Hmm, I thought we had one somewhere... oh well, must have got lost in the void somehow.

This was the only one I came across but it's not all that useful.

Meh I still prefer 1.21 mixer it doesn't crash when copy as PNG

Merged mine into this

[Aro]

That'll do.

[Beowulf]

Contributing...

http://esource.freed...et/misc/xcc.zip